docs/schema.md

WCAB truth schema, version 3

Every case has one truth.json. It is public metadata for an original, generated fixture; it never relies on a private workbook or an external data source.

Version 3 adds coverage_expectations: machine-matchable disclosures for important analysis boundaries. WCAB 0.5 extends that same stable envelope with cases where an unchanged INDIRECT or OFFSET formula receives a changed selector, WCAB 0.6 adds a relationship-backed external-data refresh-on-open fact, WCAB 0.7 adds an unchanged anchor formula that moves from fixed legacy-CSE to dynamic-array semantics, and WCAB 0.8 adds an unchanged external-workbook formula whose stored open-time link-update policy changes. WCAB 0.9 adds an unchanged direct circular formula whose stored iterative calculation setting changes, WCAB 0.10 adds a precision-as-displayed calculation control change without a cell edit, and WCAB 0.11 adds a raw saved formula-result change without a formula or input edit. WCAB 0.12 adds a raw workbook serial-date-system control change with unchanged cell content, WCAB 0.13 adds an active worksheet AutoFilter criterion change with unchanged cell content and formulas, and WCAB 0.14 adds a relationship-backed PivotTable cache refresh-on-open control change with unchanged stored cells. WCAB 0.15 adds a relationship-backed DrawingML chart-series source-reference change with unchanged worksheet cells. WCAB 0.16 adds a relationship-backed PivotTable value-field aggregation change with unchanged source/cache/report cells. WCAB 0.17 adds a relationship-backed PivotTable Slicer-cache selection change with unchanged source/cache/report cells. WCAB 0.18 adds a connection-only Power Query M filter change over an unchanged local Excel Table. WCAB 0.19 adds a stored Scenario Manager alternate-input change with unchanged visible worksheet cells, formulas, and calculation properties. WCAB 0.20 adds a one-variable What-If Data Table input-reference change with unchanged visible cells, ordinary formulas, calculation properties, and saved table results. WCAB 0.21 adds a list data-validation source change with unchanged target, entry-control metadata, source-list values, visible input, ordinary formulas, and calculation properties. WCAB 0.22 adds a conditional-formatting threshold change with unchanged target range, priority, operator, differential fill, metric values, and calculation properties. WCAB 0.23 adds a custom number-format transition with unchanged target style index, raw numeric value, formula context, calculation properties, and every package member except styles.xml. WCAB 0.24 adds a worksheet-local ignored-error rule with unchanged ordinary cells, formula context, calculation properties, and every package member except its worksheet XML. WCAB 0.25 adds a raw workbook structure-lock transition with unchanged hidden-sheet/formula context and every package member except xl/workbook.xml. WCAB 0.26 adds a relationship-backed Named Sheet View list-criterion transition with an unchanged base AutoFilter, formulas, and every package member except its Named Sheet View part. WCAB 0.27 adds a relationship-backed XML Map table-column XPath transition with an unchanged map/schema/file-binding declaration, single-cell mapping, cells, formulas, and every package member except its table part. WCAB 0.28 adds a relationship-backed Office Web Add-in task-pane auto-show property transition with an unchanged synthetic local reference, task-pane layout, cells, formulas, and every package member except its web-extension part. WCAB 0.29 adds a worksheet embedded-OLE auto-load transition with an unchanged internal relationship, inert synthetic bytes, cells, formulas, and every package member except its worksheet part. WCAB 0.30 adds a relationship-backed QueryTable refresh-on-open transition with an unchanged internal connection, saved cells, formulas, and every package member except its QueryTable part. WCAB 0.31 adds a relationship-backed worksheet cell-hyperlink target transition with unchanged visible text, formulas, and every package member except its worksheet relationship part. WCAB 0.32 adds a relationship-backed external-workbook source transition with unchanged formula text, source-sheet declaration, local downstream formula, and every package member except its externalLink relationship part. WCAB 0.33 adds a local defined-name external-source transition with unchanged formula cells and every package member except xl/workbook.xml, plus a protected-sheet sort permission transition with unchanged cells, formulas, styles, calculation properties, and every package member except its worksheet. WCAB 0.34 adds a workbook-scoped named-LAMBDA body transition with unchanged inputs and ordinary formulas, plus a Table calculated-column master transition with unchanged row and dashboard formulas. Each isolates one raw formula definition in its owning package part. WCAB 0.35 adds an embedded Power Pivot/Data Model relationship-key transition with fixed workbook binding, content type, local Tables, and opaque model payload. It isolates one raw x15:modelRelationship declaration without claiming model execution. WCAB 0.36 adds a macro-enabled XLM automatic-macro binding transition with a fixed, very-hidden macro sheet and fixed package shape; it records only the stored _xlnm.Auto_Open dispatch declaration without claiming macro execution. WCAB 0.37 adds a relationship-backed external-data web-query source transition with unchanged connection controls, saved cells, formulas, and every package member except xl/connections.xml; it records only the stored endpoint declaration without contacting it. WCAB 0.38 adds a structurally shaped OPC package-signature Object/Manifest direct-part transition with fixed relationship graph and ordinary workbook context. WCAB 0.39 adds a complementary root-relationships selector retarget with a Relationships Transform immediately followed by C14N; it deliberately keeps every published aggregate selector count equal. Each records only a declared structural package scope, never cryptographic verification or a trust decision. WCAB 0.40 adds one worksheet-associated modern threaded-comment thread whose stored top-level resolution state moves from unresolved to resolved while its text, person record, relationship graph, ordinary cells, formulas, and all other package members remain fixed. It records stored comment metadata only; it does not expose discussion content or identity data, prove a review or approval, trigger notifications, or claim workflow/client behavior. WCAB 0.41 adds one legacy shared-workbook revision log whose synthetic historic value changes while the relationship-backed workbook/header/log graph, content types, controls, ordinary cells, formulas, and all other package members remain fixed. It records stored audit-trail material only; it does not expose historic record material or prove provenance, identity, conflict resolution, review, approval, authorization, or workflow behavior. Version 2 remains available in the immutable v0.2.0 and v0.3.0 releases.

{
  "schema_version": 3,
  "id": "family.case_name",
  "title": "Human-readable scenario",
  "family": "finance",
  "topology": "pair",
  "review_expectation": "block",
  "facts": [],
  "must_reach": [],
  "coverage": [],
  "coverage_expectations": []
}

topology is either pair (exactly one same-extension baseline.xlsx / candidate.xlsx or baseline.xlsm / candidate.xlsm pair) or portfolio (baseline/ and candidate/ directories). review_expectation is one of allow, review, or block. It is a transparent benchmark convention, not an assertion that every organization must use the same policy.

Facts

Facts are observed directly from the fixture files by wcab validate.

Fact kind	Required fields	Observable contract
formula_to_value	sheet, cell	A formula cell becomes a literal value.
formula_changed	sheet, cell	Formula text exists on both sides and differs.
value_changed	sheet, cell	Literal values exist on both sides and differ.
external_formula_added	sheet, cell	Candidate formula contains an external-workbook reference. The target is never opened.
defined_name_changed	name	A defined name's stored destination differs.
data_validation_count_changed	sheet, baseline_count, candidate_count	Worksheet data-validation count differs as declared.
data_validation_list_source_changed	validation_sheet, target_range, validation_type, baseline_source_formula, candidate_source_formula, allow_blank, dropdown_hidden, show_error_message, error_style, error_title, error, show_input_message, prompt_title, prompt, source_sheet, baseline_source_range, candidate_source_range, baseline_source_values, candidate_source_values, input_cell, input_value, model_sheet, model_cell, model_formula, dashboard_sheet, dashboard_cell, dashboard_formula	One stored list validation retains its target, rule metadata, both source-list values, current input, ordinary formulas, calculation properties, and every package member except its validation-bearing worksheet while raw formula1 moves between declared local source ranges. The validator does not evaluate the source, decide a future input's validity, accept/reject an entry, calculate a result, or claim client behavior.
conditional_formatting_count_changed	sheet, baseline_count, candidate_count	Conditional-formatting range count differs as declared.
conditional_formatting_threshold_changed	sheet, target_range, priority, rule_type, operator, baseline_formula, candidate_formula, metric_values, fill_rgb	One stored cellIs conditional-formatting rule retains its target range, priority, operator, differential fill, worksheet values, calculation properties, and every package member except its worksheet while raw formula moves between declared thresholds. The validator does not evaluate the rule, determine which cells a client formats, calculate a workbook, or claim client behavior.
cell_number_format_changed	sheet, cell, value, custom_number_format_id, baseline_format, candidate_format, formula_cell, formula	One direct-cell custom number-format declaration moves between declared codes while the target style index, raw numeric text, neighboring formula, calculation properties, and every package member except xl/styles.xml remain unchanged. The validator does not render a format, resolve locale or column-width behavior, calculate a workbook, or claim client behavior.
ignored_error_rule_added	sheet, target_range, warning_flag, formula, adjacent_populated_cell, adjacent_populated_value, downstream_formula_cell, downstream_formula	One standard worksheet ignoredErrors/ignoredError declaration is added with the declared target and enabled warning flag while ordinary cells, formulas, calculation properties, and every package member except its worksheet remain unchanged. The validator does not determine whether a client would show a warning, evaluate a formula, judge a warning's justification, render an indicator, or claim client behavior.
auto_filter_criteria_changed	sheet, filter_ref, filter_column_id, baseline_filter_value, candidate_filter_value, subtotal_cell, subtotal_formula, dashboard_sheet, dashboard_cell, dashboard_formula	One raw worksheet AutoFilter list criterion changes while its filter shell, formulas, direct dependency edge, and every package member except the report worksheet remain unchanged. The validator does not apply the filter or calculate a result.
named_sheet_view_filter_criterion_changed	sheet, view_member, base_filter_ref, filter_column_id, baseline_filter_value, candidate_filter_value, subtotal_cell, subtotal_formula, dashboard_sheet, dashboard_cell, dashboard_formula	One relationship-backed Named Sheet View list criterion changes while its worksheet AutoFilter binding, formulas, direct dependency edge, and every package member except its Named Sheet View part remain unchanged. The validator does not activate, render, or apply the view, calculate a subtotal, or infer visible rows.
xml_map_table_column_xpath_retargeted	sheet, table_member, table_name, table_ref, mapped_column_id, mapped_column_name, map_member, map_id, schema_id, connection_id, baseline_xpath, candidate_xpath, single_cell_member, single_cell, single_cell_xpath, total_cell, total_formula, dashboard_sheet, dashboard_cell, dashboard_formula	One relationship-backed XML Map table-column binding changes its raw XPath while map/schema/file-binding declarations, a sheet-level single-cell mapping, table cells, formulas, calculation properties, and every package member except its table part remain unchanged. The validator does not access a file, validate a schema, import/export XML, materialize data, calculate, or infer a client result.
office_web_addin_auto_show_enabled	taskpane_member, web_extension_member, addin_id, reference_id, reference_version, store, store_type, baseline_auto_show, candidate_auto_show, input_sheet, input_cell, input_value, model_sheet, model_cell, model_formula, dashboard_sheet, dashboard_cell, dashboard_formula	One workbook-to-taskpane-to-web-extension relationship graph retains its synthetic local reference, task-pane layout, ordinary cells, formulas, calculation properties, and every package member except its web-extension part while raw Office.AutoShowTaskpaneWithDocument changes from false to true. The validator does not install, load, execute, or fetch an add-in or manifest, or claim that a task pane opens.
ole_object_auto_load_enabled	sheet, worksheet_member, worksheet_relationships_member, relationship_id, relationship_type, target, embedded_object_member, content_type, prog_id, dv_aspect, shape_id, baseline_auto_load, candidate_auto_load, input_sheet, input_cell, input_value, model_sheet, model_cell, model_formula, dashboard_sheet, dashboard_cell, dashboard_formula	One worksheet OLE declaration retains its fixed internal relationship, opaque synthetic bytes, ordinary cells, formulas, calculation properties, and every package member except its worksheet while raw oleObject/@autoLoad changes from false to true. The validator does not deserialize, open, render, execute, register, or invoke an object server, or claim that an object loads successfully.
sheet_visibility_changed	sheet, baseline_state, candidate_state	The stored sheet state changes.
formula_cell_unlocked	sheet, cell	A formula cell is explicitly unlocked while its sheet remains protected.
sheet_protection_sort_permission_enabled	sheet, worksheet_member, baseline_sort_locked, candidate_sort_locked, formula_cell, formula, dashboard_sheet, dashboard_cell, dashboard_formula	One protected worksheet retains its stored protection and every other action lock while raw sheetProtection/@sort changes exactly from 1 (locked) to 0 (permitted). Its formula context, styles, calculation properties, and every package member except the declared worksheet remain unchanged. The validator does not test a password, encryption, authorization, editable ranges, a client sort operation, or a resulting value.
protected_range_security_descriptor_changed	sheet, worksheet_member, protected_range_ref, protected_range_count, security_descriptor_count, has_legacy_verifier, input_cell, input_value, formula_cell, formula, dashboard_sheet, dashboard_cell, dashboard_formula	One protected worksheet keeps its locked target, range name/reference, legacy verifier, formulas, calculation properties, and every package member except the declared worksheet fixed while one standard nested protectedRange/securityDescriptor text node changes. Public truth excludes the descriptor, range name, and verifier. The validator records raw stored metadata only; it does not test a password, encryption, identity, authentication, authorization, enforcement, a client action, or a result.
sensitivity_label_metadata_changed	sheet, custom_properties_member, label_information_member, custom_property_part_count, sensitivity_property_count, msip_label_property_count, label_id_count, label_information_part_count, label_information_relationship_count, external_label_information_relationship_count, unrecognized_sensitivity_label_metadata_count, input_cell, input_value, formula_cell, formula, dashboard_sheet, dashboard_cell, dashboard_formula	One standards-form Office sensitivity-label metadata envelope retains its root relationships, LabelInfo part, ordinary cells, formulas, calculation properties, and every package member except docProps/custom.xml while one MIP custom-property value changes. Public truth excludes label identifiers and names, action/site IDs, timestamps, property names/values, LabelInfo XML, and relationship IDs/targets. The validator records stored metadata only; it does not resolve a label, contact a service, determine effective classification, inspect encryption or permissions, infer access, authenticate an identity, enforce a policy, or claim client/storage behavior.
worksheet_control_macro_assignment_changed	sheet, worksheet_member, control_properties_member, control_sheet_count, worksheet_control_count, active_x_part_count, form_control_property_part_count, legacy_vml_drawing_part_count, legacy_vml_control_count, control_macro_assignment_count, control_cell_link_count, control_source_range_count, form_control_formula_binding_count, ole_object_count, related_relationship_count, external_relationship_count, internal_related_part_count, fingerprinted_related_part_count, uninspected_related_part_count, unrecognized_part_count, input_cell, input_value, formula_cell, formula, dashboard_sheet, dashboard_cell, dashboard_formula	One relationship-bound worksheet Form control retains its declaration, control-properties part, relationships, ordinary cells, formulas, calculation properties, and every package member except xl/worksheets/sheet1.xml while one private inline macro assignment changes. Public truth excludes the control name, shape ID, macro names, relationship ID, and raw XML. The validator records a stored assignment only; it does not load a control, inspect or execute VBA, resolve a macro, authenticate a user, evaluate permissions, invoke an Office client, or claim an event-dispatch result.
workbook_structure_lock_removed	baseline_lock_structure, candidate_lock_structure, hidden_sheet, hidden_sheet_state, formula_sheet, formula_cell, formula	Raw workbookProtection/@lockStructure changes exactly from true to false while the declared hidden-sheet state, formula, calculation properties, and every package member except xl/workbook.xml remain unchanged. The validator does not test a password, encryption, authorization, or client behavior.
manual_calculation_incomplete	none	Candidate calculation metadata is manual and records incomplete calculation.
iterative_calculation_enabled	sheet, cell, formula, baseline_iterate, candidate_iterate, iteration_count, iteration_delta	The declared direct self-referencing formula remains unchanged while raw calcPr/@iterate changes exactly from false to true; the explicit count and delta remain the declared values, and all non-iteration calculation attributes are unchanged. The validator does not calculate the model.
precision_as_displayed_enabled	input_sheet, input_cell, input_value, number_format, formula_sheet, formula_cell, formula, baseline_full_precision, candidate_full_precision	The declared stored input, number format, and formula remain unchanged while raw calcPr/@fullPrecision changes exactly from true to false; all other calcPr attributes are unchanged. The validator does not calculate, open, or save the workbook.
workbook_date_system_changed	baseline_date_1904, candidate_date_1904, date_compatibility, serial_sheet, serial_cell, serial_value, number_format, formula_sheet, formula_cell, formula, dashboard_sheet, dashboard_cell, dashboard_formula	Raw workbookPr/@date1904 changes from false to true while explicit compatibility remains true; the raw numeric serial, custom date format, local formulas, and every package member except xl/workbook.xml remain unchanged. The validator does not calculate, convert, or infer displayed dates.
formula_cached_result_changed	sheet, cell, formula, input_sheet, input_cell, input_value, result_type, baseline_cached_result, candidate_cached_result	One raw numeric formula-cell <v> value changes while its raw <f> expression, direct input, calculation properties, and every other package member remain unchanged. The validator reads OOXML only; it does not calculate, validate, or interpret the saved result.
external_data_connection_refresh_on_load_changed	connection_id, baseline_refresh_on_load, candidate_refresh_on_load	The relationship-backed connection with this workbook-local ID explicitly changes refreshOnLoad from false to true. The validator reads raw OOXML only.
external_data_connection_web_query_url_changed	connection_id, connection_member, connection_content_type, workbook_relationships_member, relationship_id, relationship_type, refresh_on_load, baseline_url, candidate_url, saved_value_sheet, saved_value_cell, saved_value, summary_sheet, summary_cell, summary_formula, dashboard_sheet, dashboard_cell, dashboard_formula	One relationship-backed web-query connection retains its ID, type, refresh controls, relationship, content type, stored imported cell, ordinary formulas, calculation properties, and every package member except xl/connections.xml while raw webPr/@url moves between declared reserved URLs. The validator reads local OOXML only; it does not resolve, open, fetch, authenticate to, trust, refresh, calculate, or claim a client result.
package_signature_manifest_direct_part_retargeted	root_relationships_member, origin_member, origin_relationships_member, origin_relationship_id, origin_relationship_type, signature_member, signature_relationship_id, signature_relationship_type, signature_content_type, signed_info_reference_uri, baseline_manifest_uri, candidate_manifest_uri, baseline_direct_part_class, candidate_direct_part_class, stable_sheet, stable_value_cell, stable_value, stable_formula_cell, stable_formula	One structurally shaped OPC digital-signature envelope retains its origin/signature relationship graph, content types, SignedInfo local-object reference, ordinary cells/formula context, calculation properties, and every package member except _xmlsignatures/sig1.xml while its one Object/Manifest direct-part URI moves from the workbook part to a worksheet part. The fixture's digest/signature values are synthetic; the validator does not verify cryptography, transforms, certificates, identity, trust, or a consumer decision.
package_signature_manifest_relationship_selector_retargeted	root_relationships_member, origin_member, origin_relationships_member, origin_relationship_id, origin_relationship_type, signature_member, signature_relationship_id, signature_relationship_type, signature_content_type, signed_info_reference_uri, manifest_uri, relationship_transform_algorithm, canonicalization_algorithm, office_document_relationship_id, office_document_relationship_type, office_document_relationship_target, baseline_selector_source_id, candidate_selector_source_id, baseline_selected_relationship_type, baseline_selected_relationship_target, candidate_selected_relationship_type, candidate_selected_relationship_target, stable_sheet, stable_value_cell, stable_value, stable_formula_cell, stable_formula	One structurally shaped OPC digital-signature envelope retains its package graph, Manifest URI, Relationships Transform followed immediately by C14N, ordinary cells/formula context, calculation properties, and every package member except _xmlsignatures/sig1.xml while one root-relationship selector SourceId changes. The selector identifies a relationship entry, not proof its target part was signed. The fixture's digest/signature values are synthetic; the validator neither executes transforms nor verifies cryptography, certificates, identity, trust, or a consumer decision.
threaded_comment_resolution_state_changed	threaded_comment_sheet, worksheet_member, worksheet_relationships_member, workbook_relationships_member, threaded_comment_member, threaded_comment_content_type, threaded_comment_relationship_type, person_member, person_content_type, person_relationship_type, worksheet_threaded_comment_sheet_count, threaded_comment_part_count, comment_thread_count, comment_count, reply_count, baseline_resolved_comment_count, candidate_resolved_comment_count, comment_with_text_count, mention_count, mentioned_person_count, person_part_count, person_count, orphan_person_count, binding_relationship_count, external_relationship_count, unrecognized_threaded_comment_count, stable_sheet, stable_value_cell, stable_value, stable_formula_cell, stable_formula	One worksheet-associated modern-comment package retains its text, person part, bindings, content types, ordinary cells/formula context, calculation properties, and every package member except its threaded-comments part while the top-level stored resolution token changes from unresolved to resolved. The validator reads bounded local OOXML only: it does not expose comment text or identity data, prove a review/approval, contact a person service, trigger a notification, authorize an action, or claim client/workflow behavior.
shared_workbook_revision_log_changed	workbook_relationships_member, revision_headers_member, revision_headers_relationships_member, revision_log_member, revision_headers_content_type, revision_log_content_type, revision_headers_relationship_type, revision_log_relationship_type, revision_header_part_count, revision_header_count, revision_log_part_count, revision_log_entry_count, shared_workbook_enabled_count, track_revisions_enabled_count, revision_history_enabled_count, keep_change_history_enabled_count, revision_history_protected_count, unrecognized_shared_workbook_revision_count, stable_sheet, stable_value_cell, stable_value, stable_formula_cell, stable_formula	One relationship-backed legacy shared-workbook revision history retains its header/log graph, content types, tracking/retention controls, record shape, ordinary cells/formula context, calculation properties, and every package member except its revision-log part while one synthetic historic value changes. The validator reads bounded local OOXML only: it does not expose historic values, locations, author identity, timestamps, GUIDs, or relationship IDs, prove provenance or conflict resolution, replay history, or claim review/approval, authorization, or workflow behavior.
query_table_refresh_on_load_changed	sheet, connection_id, connection_member, connection_url, query_table_member, worksheet_member, worksheet_relationships_member, relationship_id, relationship_type, baseline_refresh_on_load, candidate_refresh_on_load, background_refresh, refresh_disabled, remove_data_on_save, fill_formulas, connection_edit_disabled, growth_behavior, saved_value_cell, saved_value, summary_sheet, summary_cell, summary_formula, dashboard_sheet, dashboard_cell, dashboard_formula	One direct internal worksheet QueryTable relationship and one fixed internal workbook connection retain their controls, saved cells, formulas, calculation properties, and every package member except the QueryTable part while raw queryTable/@refreshOnLoad changes from false to true. The validator does not open a connection, fetch a URL, refresh, materialize data, calculate, or claim a client result.
cell_hyperlink_target_changed	sheet, cell, cell_value, worksheet_member, worksheet_relationships_member, relationship_id, relationship_type, target_mode, baseline_target, candidate_target, summary_sheet, summary_cell, summary_formula, dashboard_sheet, dashboard_cell, dashboard_formula	One worksheet hyperlink declaration retains its visible cell value, relationship ID/type/mode, no local location/display/tooltip, formulas, calculation properties, and every package member except its worksheet relationship part while the one external relationship Target moves between the declared reserved URLs. The validator does not resolve, open, fetch, visit, execute, calculate, or claim that a client follows a target.
pivot_cache_refresh_on_load_changed	cache_id, source_type, source_sheet, source_ref, pivot_sheet, pivot_ref, pivot_output_cell, dashboard_sheet, dashboard_cell, dashboard_formula, baseline_refresh_on_load, candidate_refresh_on_load	One relationship-bound local worksheet PivotCache changes raw refreshOnLoad from false to true; its source binding, PivotTable location, stored report/dashboard cells, calculation properties, and every package member except its cache definition remain unchanged. The validator neither refreshes nor renders a PivotTable.
pivot_data_field_aggregation_changed	cache_id, source_type, source_sheet, source_ref, pivot_sheet, pivot_ref, pivot_output_cell, dashboard_sheet, dashboard_cell, dashboard_formula, data_field_source_index, baseline_subtotal, candidate_subtotal	One relationship-bound local worksheet PivotTable retains its source/cache bindings, stored report/dashboard cells, refresh control, and calculation properties while raw dataFields/dataField/@subtotal moves between the declared aggregate functions. Every package member except its PivotTable definition remains unchanged. The validator does not refresh, calculate, render, or infer a displayed result.
pivot_slicer_selection_changed	cache_id, source_type, source_sheet, source_ref, pivot_sheet, pivot_ref, pivot_output_cell, dashboard_sheet, dashboard_cell, dashboard_formula, slicer_name, slicer_source_name, slicer_pivot_table_name, slicer_pivot_tab_id, item_count, baseline_selected_item_index, candidate_selected_item_index, baseline_selected_value, candidate_selected_value	One relationship-bound local Slicer cache retains its source/PivotCache/PivotTable bindings, stored report/dashboard cells, refresh control, and calculation properties while exactly one selected cache item moves between the declared index/value pairs. Every package member except its Slicer-cache definition remains unchanged. The validator does not create a Slicer drawing, apply a filter, refresh, calculate, render, or infer a displayed result.
power_query_m_filter_changed	data_mashup_part, source_sheet, source_table, source_ref, query_section, query_name, filter_column, baseline_filter_value, candidate_filter_value, fill_enabled, firewall_enabled, future_packages_allowed	One package-root relationship-bound compact Data Mashup retains its local Excel Table source, metadata, permission controls, calculation properties, and every package member except its custom-XML part while one stored M Table.SelectRows literal changes. The validator reads a bounded generated envelope only; it does not execute M, refresh, materialize output, calculate, or infer query results.
scenario_manager_stored_input_value_changed	scenario_sheet, scenario_name, changing_cell, stable_input_cell, baseline_stored_value, candidate_stored_value, stable_stored_value, input_number_format_id, summary_ref, worksheet_input_value, worksheet_stable_input_value, result_cell, result_formula, dashboard_sheet, dashboard_cell, dashboard_formula	One raw worksheet Scenario Manager declaration retains its selected/locked scenario metadata, second stored input, summary reference, visible worksheet cells, formula path, calculation properties, and every package member except its scenario-bearing worksheet while one stored inputCells/@val value changes. The validator does not show/apply a scenario, calculate a result, create a scenario summary, or infer client behavior.
what_if_data_table_input_reference_changed	table_sheet, master_cell, output_range, baseline_input_cell, candidate_input_cell, orientation, recalculation_requested, input_value_range, input_values, primary_input_value, alternate_input_value, scale_cell, scale_value, output_formula_cell, output_formula, model_sheet, model_cell, model_formula, dashboard_sheet, dashboard_cell, dashboard_formula	One raw column-oriented one-variable Data Table master retains its declared output range, recalculation request, visible input grid, ordinary formulas, calculation properties, and every package member except its table-bearing worksheet while f/@r1 moves between declared local input cells. The validator does not substitute inputs, calculate, infer table results, resolve a circular dependency, or claim client behavior.
chart_series_value_reference_changed	chart_sheet, chart_anchor, source_sheet, series_title_ref, category_ref, baseline_value_ref, candidate_value_ref	One relationship-bound DrawingML chart retains its host, anchor, title/category references, source worksheet cells, and every package member except its chart part while raw c:ser/c:val/c:numRef/c:f moves between declared local value ranges. The validator does not calculate, refresh, or render a chart.
external_workbook_link_update_policy_changed	sheet, cell, formula, baseline_update_links, candidate_update_links	The declared external-workbook formula remains unchanged while raw workbookPr/@updateLinks changes exactly from never to always; all other stored workbookPr attributes are unchanged. The validator does not resolve the source workbook.
external_workbook_link_source_changed	sheet, cell, formula, workbook_member, workbook_relationships_member, workbook_relationship_id, workbook_relationship_type, external_link_member, external_link_relationships_member, external_link_content_type, external_link_relationship_id, external_link_relationship_type, external_sheet, target_mode, baseline_target, candidate_target, dashboard_sheet, dashboard_cell, dashboard_formula	One external-workbook formula, workbook external-reference relationship, externalLink/externalBook declaration, content type, source-sheet name, local downstream formula, and calculation properties remain unchanged while one external externalLinkPath relationship Target moves between declared reserved URLs. The validator reads local OOXML only; it does not resolve, open, fetch, authenticate to, trust, refresh, calculate, or claim that a client updates a link or returns a value.
external_defined_name_source_changed	name, workbook_member, baseline_refers_to, candidate_refers_to, formula_sheet, formula_cell, formula, dashboard_sheet, dashboard_cell, dashboard_formula	One local definedName text moves between declared qualified external-workbook expressions while the name, local formula context, calculation properties, sheet declarations, workbook relationships, and every package member except xl/workbook.xml remain unchanged. The compact package deliberately has no externalLink part or externalReferences declaration. The validator does not resolve, open, fetch, authenticate to, trust, refresh, calculate, or claim a client result.
named_lambda_definition_changed	name, workbook_member, parameters, baseline_refers_to, candidate_refers_to, input_sheet, rate_cell, rate_value, amount_cell, amount_value, formula_sheet, formula_cell, formula, dashboard_sheet, dashboard_cell, dashboard_formula	One workbook-scoped named LAMBDA body changes while its declared inputs, calling formula, dashboard consumer, calculation properties, sheet declarations, workbook relationships, and every package member except xl/workbook.xml remain unchanged. The compact package has no externalLink part or externalReferences declaration. The validator does not evaluate a LAMBDA, calculate a result, infer client/version support, or claim a client result.
power_pivot_data_model_relationship_changed	workbook_member, workbook_relationships_member, data_model_member, workbook_relationship_id, workbook_relationship_type, workbook_relationship_target, data_model_content_type, extension_uri, min_version_load, model_tables, from_table, from_column, to_table, baseline_to_column, candidate_to_column, data_model_payload_sha256, data_model_payload_size	One workbook-level x15:modelRelationship target key changes while the generated powerPivotData binding, .data content type, local Table context, calculation properties, and opaque xl/model/item.data payload remain unchanged; xl/workbook.xml is the only changed package member. The validator reads the declaration, local package binding, and payload digest only. It does not deserialize an Analysis Services payload, evaluate DAX, refresh a model, calculate or render a report, infer model-to-cell impact, or claim client behavior.
xlm_auto_open_binding_retargeted	workbook_member, workbook_relationships_member, macro_sheet_member, macro_sheet_relationship_id, macro_sheet_relationship_type, macro_sheet_relationship_target, macro_sheet_content_type, workbook_content_type, macro_sheet_name, macro_sheet_sheet_id, macro_sheet_state, automatic_macro_name, automatic_macro_event, baseline_target, candidate_target, macro_sheet_formula, macro_sheet_formula_cells, macro_sheet_sha256, macro_sheet_size, input_sheet, input_cell, input_value, model_sheet, model_cell, model_formula, dashboard_sheet, dashboard_cell, dashboard_formula	One macro-enabled .xlsm workbook-scoped _xlnm.Auto_Open defined-name target changes between two declared cells on one very-hidden XLM macro sheet while the raw macro sheet, macro relationship, content types, ordinary formula context, calculation properties, and every package member except xl/workbook.xml remain unchanged. The validator reads the stored dispatch declaration and bounded static package shape only: it does not open Excel, enable or execute XLM code, parse or emulate instructions, resolve a dynamic name, inspect security or trust state, infer dispatch behavior, calculate a workbook, or claim client behavior.
array_formula_mode_changed	sheet, cell, formula, baseline_mode, candidate_mode, baseline_output_range, candidate_output_range	The declared unchanged array anchor moves from legacy_cse to dynamic, with its stored formula text and output range exactly as declared. The validator reads the raw OOXML cell-metadata binding.
static_cycle_introduced	cells	Every declared direct A1 cell reaches itself in the local static dependency graph.
three_d_scope_changed	formula_sheet, formula_cell, inserted_sheet, after_sheet, before_sheet	Formula text remains unchanged while a sheet is inserted inside the declared tab span.
structural_formula_rewrite	baseline, candidate	Declared before/after formula locations and text exist. This is an annotation, not a general proof of equivalence.
portfolio_value_changed	workbook, sheet, cell	A literal value differs between paired portfolio members.
portfolio_external_reference	workbook, sheet, cell, target_workbook	The local portfolio model contains the declared external workbook reference.
structured_table_scope_changed	table_sheet, table, baseline_ref, candidate_ref, formula_sheet, formula_cell	A stored Excel Table range changes while the declared formula remains textually unchanged and retains a reference to that table.
table_calculated_column_formula_changed	table_sheet, table_member, table, table_ref, calculated_column_id, calculated_column_name, baseline_formula, candidate_formula, stable_formula_cells, dashboard_sheet, dashboard_cell, dashboard_formula	One local Table calculated-column formula master changes while the Table binding/range/headers, ordinary row formulas, structured-reference dashboard formula, calculation properties, and every package member except its Table definition remain unchanged. The validator does not fill a column, reconcile master and row formulas, calculate a structured reference, infer a total, or claim client behavior.
dynamic_formula_reference_added	sheet, cell, functions	A previously direct formula changes to one containing the declared introduced dynamic-reference functions.

List data-validation source

Microsoft's Excel data-validation API guidance describes a validation rule's formula1 and formula2 fields, including a list source. The MS-XLSX data-validation formula specification likewise identifies formula1 as the stored validation formula. That makes a list-source retarget review-material even when a current input and ordinary formulas remain unchanged.

WCAB's pair has one list validation on Inputs!B2. Its baseline raw formula1 is =Lists!$A$2:$A$4; its candidate is =Lists!$B$2:$B$4. The two lists, Inputs!B2="Draft", all other validation attributes, Model!B2=Inputs!$B$2, and Dashboard!B4=Model!$B$2 remain unchanged. The validator accepts only this one-container/one-rule shape, compares the Inputs worksheet after erasing its sole formula1 text, and requires that worksheet to be the only changed package member. It does not evaluate either source formula, test a proposed entry, accept/reject an input, calculate a result, or claim Excel-client behavior. The direct input-to-model paths are ordinary static lower bounds only if a user later enters a value.

Conditional-formatting threshold

Microsoft's Open XML conditional-formatting guidance shows that a worksheet cfRule can hold a cellIs operator and a formula threshold. WCAB's pair has one Operations!B2:B4 rule whose baseline raw formula is 100 and candidate formula is 50. Its priority, greaterThan operator, differential red fill, and stored 10, 75, and 120 metrics stay unchanged. The validator accepts only the generated one-control/one-rule shape, compares the Operations worksheet after erasing the threshold formula, and requires that worksheet to be the only changed package member. It does not evaluate a rule, infer a rendered format, calculate a workbook, or claim Excel-client behavior.

Custom number format

Microsoft's hide/display guidance documents ;;; as a custom format that hides worksheet values, while its percentage guidance documents the distinct display behavior of percentage formats. WCAB's pair has one Operations!B2 cell whose custom format code moves from 0.0%;[Red](0.0%);- to ;;;. Its raw 0.125 numeric text, cell style index, neighboring Operations!B3=B2 formula, and calculation properties stay unchanged.

The validator follows the direct cell style to one custom numFmt with ID 164, compares styles XML after erasing only that format code, and requires xl/styles.xml to be the only changed package member. It records stored display metadata only: it does not render a format, resolve locale or column-width behavior, decide what a client displays, calculate a workbook, or claim Excel-client behavior.

Ignored error-checking rule

Microsoft's formula-error guidance explains that a selected ignored error no longer appears in later error checks until errors are reset, and documents the formula-range-omission checking rule. The Office 2010 MS-XLSX ignoredErrors specification records the related extension form. A stored per-range suppression is therefore a review surface even when no ordinary formula or cell changes.

WCAB's pair keeps Operations!B2=10, B3=20, B4=30, B5=SUM(B2:B3), and C5=B5 unchanged. The candidate adds exactly one standard ignoredErrors/ignoredError child with sqref="B5" and formulaRange="1". The validator accepts only that compact raw shape, compares the Operations worksheet after removing the declaration, and requires that worksheet to be the only changed package member. It does not determine whether Excel would show a warning, evaluate the formula, infer a displayed indicator, decide whether the warning is warranted, change application-level settings, calculate a workbook, or claim Excel-client behavior.

Workbook-structure protection

Microsoft's Protect a workbook guidance distinguishes structural protection from file and worksheet protection, and states that a protected structure restricts adding, moving, deleting, hiding, unhiding, and renaming worksheets. It also makes the password optional. The Office Open XML workbookProtection specification defines the stored workbook-level protection element. This makes the raw structure control review-material even if ordinary worksheet cells stay fixed.

WCAB 0.25 keeps the hidden ReviewControls sheet and Inputs!D2=B2*C2 formula unchanged. Its baseline has exactly workbookProtection/@lockStructure="1"; the candidate has exactly "0". The validator compares raw workbook XML after removing only that attribute and requires xl/workbook.xml to be the only changed package member. It does not test a password, encryption, authentication, authorization, whether a hidden sheet is exposed, or whether a particular client enables a sheet operation.

Sheet-protection sort permission

Microsoft's Protect a worksheet guidance distinguishes worksheet protection from file protection and lists Sort as one of the actions a protected worksheet can permit. The Open XML SheetProtection reference defines the stored worksheet-protection element and its action controls. That makes a stored action permission review-material even when no cells change.

WCAB 0.33 keeps Controls!D2=B2*C2, its direct Dashboard!B4=Controls!$D$2 consumer, worksheet protection, every other protection action lock, styles, calculation properties, and all non-worksheet package members fixed. The raw sheetProtection/@sort control moves exactly from 1 (locked) to 0 (permitted), and xl/worksheets/sheet1.xml is the only changed package member. The validator records that stored declaration only: it does not test a password, encryption, authentication, authorization, editable ranges, an actual sort operation, a client permission decision, or a resulting value.

Protected-range security descriptors

The ISO/IEC SpreadsheetML example for securityDescriptor stores each account descriptor as a nested child of protectedRange; the Open XML SDK's ProtectedRange reference also lists it as a child. That stored declaration can change without a cell or formula edit, but it is not itself proof that a client authorizes, identifies, or permits a person.

WCAB 0.42 keeps one protected Controls!B2:B2 target locked, its range name and legacy verifier fixed, and its Controls!B2 → Controls!D2 → Dashboard!B4 formula context unchanged. Only one standard nested securityDescriptor text node moves inside xl/worksheets/sheet1.xml. The raw validator reads this one compact element shape, checks the exact synthetic values privately, compares the worksheet after erasing only that text, and requires the worksheet to be the sole package difference. Public truth retains no descriptor, range name, or verifier. The case does not test a verifier, encryption, identity, authentication, authorization, editable-range enforcement, or client behavior.

Sensitivity-label metadata

Microsoft's Sensitivity Label Information Part specification defines an application/xml LabelInfo package part whose root is labelList and which is targeted by the package-root classificationlabels relationship. Its custom-document-property interoperability note also describes the relationship between persisted label information and the reserved custom-property forms. These are important review surfaces even when ordinary cells and formulas do not move.

WCAB's sensitivity-label metadata pair contains the documented custom-property relationship, one Sensitivity label-ID property, seven standard MSIP_Label_<GUID>_* properties, one root classificationlabels relationship, and one docMetadata/LabelInfo.xml labelList part. Its only package change is one private MIP custom-property value in docProps/custom.xml; all relationships, LabelInfo metadata, formula context, and calculation properties remain fixed. The raw validator checks the generated identifiers and values privately, but public truth retains only safe counts and package-member names. It does not resolve a label, contact a policy service, determine effective classification, inspect encryption or permissions, infer access rights, authenticate an identity, enforce a policy, or claim Office, SharePoint, or OneDrive behavior.

Relationship-bound worksheet control macro assignments

Excel's control-button guidance documents assigning macros to Form and ActiveX controls. A stored control assignment is therefore a review surface separate from a formula or cell-value diff, even though this benchmark does not require an executable VBA payload.

WCAB 0.44.1 uses a compact relationship-bound Form-control shape: one worksheet controls/control declaration has one inline controlPr/@macro, one direct control-properties relationship, and one Office 2010 formControlPr part. The baseline and candidate retain that entire graph, ordinary Controls!B2=12 input, Controls!D2=B2*C2 formula, direct Dashboard!B4=Controls!$D$2 consumer, calculation properties, and every other package member. Only the private inline macro assignment differs in xl/worksheets/sheet1.xml. The raw validator reads only this bounded local package shape and compares the worksheets after erasing that one attribute. Public truth retains only safe aggregate control counts and member paths, never the control name, shape ID, macro names, relationship ID, or raw XML. It does not load a control, inspect or execute VBA, resolve a macro, authenticate a user, evaluate permissions, invoke an Office client, or claim an event-dispatch result.

Static impact lower bounds

must_reach entries have one source plus one or more targets, each with a sheet and cell. The bundled validator uses only direct, ordinary local A1 references and walks the resulting graph. The targets are therefore lower bounds: no result implies a complete Excel dependency calculation, a formula evaluation, dynamic-reference resolution, or a claim about cached values.

External-data refresh controls

Excel documents that a connection can refresh external data when the workbook opens, which can update data outside a normal worksheet formula edit. WCAB's connection case uses a synthetic, non-routable endpoint and validates the stored refreshOnLoad attribute through its relationship-backed connections.xml part. It does not open a connection, test credentials or Trust Center policy, retrieve data, calculate formulas, or infer a downstream result. Connection paths, URLs, names, commands, and credentials are deliberately not truth fields.

QueryTable refresh-on-open

Microsoft's QueryTable.RefreshOnFileOpen reference defines a table-level control for automatically refreshing a QueryTable when a workbook opens. The Open XML QueryTable reference models this as refreshOnLoad alongside the table's connectionId. It is separate from the connection-level control: a reviewer needs to see the stored QueryTable request even when the connection metadata itself is unchanged.

WCAB's original fixture has one ImportedData worksheet QueryTable relationship and one fixed internal workbook connection to a reserved example.invalid URL. Only xl/queryTables/queryTable1.xml changes: raw queryTable/@refreshOnLoad moves from false to true; the connection's own refreshOnLoad=false, all other QueryTable controls, relationships, content types, saved ImportedData!B2=100 cell, and ImportedData!B2 → Summary!B2 → Dashboard!B4 formula context stay fixed. The validator follows local OOXML relationships only and does not open a connection, fetch a URL, refresh a query, materialize rows, calculate a workbook, or claim that any client refreshes successfully.

Worksheet cell hyperlink target

Microsoft's Hyperlink.Address reference defines the target-document address, and the Open XML Hyperlink reference defines worksheet x:hyperlink/@r:id as the relationship binding that expresses that target. A visible cell value can remain unchanged while that relationship's external destination changes.

WCAB's original fixture has one Inputs!B2 external cell hyperlink. Its visible text is Open vendor portal; its worksheet declaration has only ref and r:id, and its one relationship retains a fixed ID, standard hyperlink type, and TargetMode=External. Only xl/worksheets/_rels/sheet1.xml.rels changes: the raw relationship Target moves from approved.example.invalid to review.example.invalid; the worksheet XML, cell text, calculation properties, and Inputs!B2 → Summary!B2 → Dashboard!B4 formula context stay fixed. The validator reads local OOXML only, compares the relationship part after erasing Target, and does not resolve, open, fetch, visit, execute, calculate, or claim that any client follows either URL.

PivotTable cache refresh-on-open

Microsoft documents a PivotTable option to refresh data when the workbook opens, and the Open XML pivotCacheDefinition reference defines refreshOnLoad as the cache-level stored control. A cache can be shared by PivotTables, so a change to this request is review-material even when no worksheet cell or formula text changes.

WCAB's original fixture has one local worksheet cache: Source!A1:B5 binds to a PivotTable at Report!A1:B2, whose stored B2 display cell is directly referenced by Dashboard!B4. The validator follows only that local OOXML relationship graph, verifies the cache definition changes solely at refreshOnLoad, and checks the stored cells and direct dashboard formula stay fixed. It does not open a workbook in Excel, refresh a cache, calculate or render the PivotTable, infer a visible result, or claim whether any client will honor the request.

PivotTable value aggregation

Excel's PivotTable layout guidance documents placing fields in the Values area and changing their settings. In SpreadsheetML, dataField/@subtotal stores the value field's data-consolidate function. That declaration is review-material even if neither source cells nor stored report cells change.

WCAB's aggregation fixture retains the same one-local-cache graph: Source!A1:B5 binds to a PivotTable at Report!A1:B2, whose stored B2 display cell is directly referenced by Dashboard!B4. Baseline and candidate retain every cache record, source binding, relationship, cell, formula, and calculation property; the only raw difference is its sole dataFields/dataField/@subtotal from sum to average. The validator follows that local graph and compares the PivotTable XML after removing exactly that attribute. It does not open Excel, refresh, calculate, render, infer a changed displayed value, or claim client behavior.

PivotTable Slicer selection

Microsoft's PivotTable filtering guidance describes Slicers as controls that filter a PivotTable and convey its filtering state. The Office Open XML Slicer Cache Part specification stores item indices as x and selected items as s=1, so this state can be material even when no worksheet cell changes.

WCAB's Slicer fixture retains the same local worksheet cache graph: Source!A1:B5 binds to a PivotTable at Report!A1:B2, whose stored B2 display cell is directly referenced by Dashboard!B4. The local Slicer cache targets that PivotTable and cache, has two Region items, and changes the one selected item from index 0 (North) to index 1 (South). The validator follows the local package relationships, maps selected item indices through the cache's shared items, and compares the Slicer XML after removing only s attributes. It creates no visual Slicer or drawing and does not apply the filter, refresh, calculate, render, infer a displayed value, or claim client behavior.

Power Query M local-table filter

Microsoft's Power Query overview documents recorded transformations and their M source, while its query-management guidance allows queries to load to the Data Model or remain connection-only. The Power Query M reference defines the language, and Excel.CurrentWorkbook returns local workbook Tables, named ranges, and dynamic arrays. A stored M definition can therefore be review-material even when ordinary worksheet cells and saved outputs do not change.

WCAB's pair has one generated Source!A1:B5 Table named SourceData and one connection-only Data Mashup carried by a package-root customXml relationship. The only semantic change is the M Table.SelectRows literal from North to South; FillEnabled=false, a local-table source, metadata, permission controls, and all ordinary package parts remain fixed. The validator follows only the generated relationship and bounded compact envelope: one nested three-part package, one formula document, one metadata item, and explicit firewall/future-package controls. It does not claim to be a general M parser, execute M, apply the filter, refresh a query, materialize output, calculate a workbook, infer returned rows, or predict any client behavior.

Scenario Manager stored alternate input

Microsoft's Scenario Manager guidance describes scenarios as saved value sets for declared changing cells, with formula result cells and optional scenario protection. Its Open XML inputCells reference records each stored input's cell reference, value, deletion state, and display-only number-format ID. That creates a review surface outside ordinary visible worksheet-cell values.

WCAB's pair stores one selected, locked WCAB downside scenario in Inputs with two raw input records. It preserves the visible Inputs!B2=0.1, Inputs!B3=125, Inputs!D2=B2*B3, and Dashboard!B4=Inputs!$D$2 formula path while only the alternate B2 stored value moves from 0.08 to 0.16. The raw validator accepts only this compact one-scenario/two-input declaration, checks the scenario selection, protection, comment/user, summary-reference, second-input, and number-format metadata, compares the worksheet after erasing the sole mutable @val, and requires that the Inputs worksheet part is the only changed package member. It does not show or apply a scenario, calculate a workbook, generate a Scenario Summary, infer an output, or claim a particular client will act on the declaration.

What-If Data Table input reference

Microsoft's Data Table guidance describes one- and two-variable What-If Data Tables and their row/column input cells. The Open XML CellFormula reference describes a Data Table master with t="dataTable", output ref, input references, and orientation flags. A stored input reference can therefore be material even when ordinary formula text and visible cells are unchanged.

WCAB's pair has one raw Sensitivity!D3 master with ref="D3:D5", ca="1", and a column-oriented one-variable r1 reference. The baseline declares r1="B2"; the candidate declares r1="B3". Its C3:C5 input grid, Sensitivity!D2=Model!$B$2, both possible input cells, Model!B2=Sensitivity!$B$2*Sensitivity!$B$3*Sensitivity!$B$4, and Dashboard!B4=Model!$B$2 remain unchanged. The raw validator accepts only one master with the fixed generated attributes, erases only r1 before comparing worksheet XML, and requires that worksheet to be the sole changed package member. It does not substitute temporary Data Table inputs, calculate a model or result, infer a table output, resolve a circular dependency, or claim Excel-client behavior. The declared ordinary static paths from both possible inputs are lower bounds, not an evaluation claim.

External-workbook link update policy

Open XML defines workbookPr/@updateLinks as the behavior for updating external links when the workbook opens. This is a workbook-wide control, distinct from the connection-level refreshOnLoad attribute described above. Microsoft also documents the user-facing external workbook-link startup choices in its workbook-link guidance.

WCAB's policy case keeps LinkedModel!B2 and its local Dashboard!B4 consumer unchanged while changing the explicit stored policy from never to always. WCABSource.xlsx is synthetic and absent by design. The raw validator requires the exact policy values, matching formula text, and equal non-policy workbookPr attributes. It does not open, resolve, authenticate to, trust, refresh, or calculate the external source, and it does not claim an updated cached result or a successful workbook recalculation.

External-workbook link source

Microsoft's workbook-link guidance documents Change source as a way to point existing links at another workbook. The Open XML ExternalBook reference defines externalBook as an external workbook supplying data to the current workbook and exposes its relationship to the supporting book path. A source change can therefore be review-material even when the external formula text does not change.

WCAB's source pair keeps LinkedModel!B2 as ='[WCABSource.xlsx]Inputs'!$B$2 and keeps Dashboard!B4=LinkedModel!$B$2 unchanged. Each package has exactly one workbook <externalReferences> binding, one externalLink relationship, one externalLink/externalBook declaration with the Inputs sheet name, and one externalLinkPath relationship with TargetMode=External. Only xl/externalLinks/_rels/externalLink1.xml.rels changes: its raw Target moves from the reserved approved.example.invalid URL to review.example.invalid. The validator follows only those local package parts, compares the relationship part after erasing Target, and requires it to be the sole package difference. It does not resolve, open, fetch, authenticate to, trust, refresh, calculate, or otherwise interact with either source, and does not claim a client updates a link or returns a value.

External defined-name source

Microsoft's workbook-link guidance calls out defined names as a place workbook links can be used, including its workflow for finding links in defined names. The Open XML DefinedNames reference defines the workbook-level collection that stores those expressions. A source can therefore move inside a local name even when neither an ordinary formula cell nor an externalLink package part changes.

WCAB 0.33 keeps local Model!B2=ScenarioRate*2 and its direct Dashboard!B4=Model!$B$2 consumer unchanged while the one workbook-level ScenarioRate definition moves from '[WCABApprovedSource.xlsx]Inputs'!$B$2 to '[WCABReviewSource.xlsx]Inputs'!$B$2. The deliberately compact package has no <externalReferences> declaration and no xl/externalLinks/ member. The raw validator requires the exact name/text transition, unchanged calculation properties and sheet declarations, and xl/workbook.xml as the only package difference. It does not resolve, open, fetch, authenticate to, trust, refresh, calculate, or otherwise interact with either synthetic source, or claim that a client resolves the name or returns a value.

Named LAMBDA definition

Microsoft's LAMBDA guidance describes assigning a named LAMBDA in Name Manager so it is callable as a reusable custom function throughout the workbook. Its defined-names guidance also identifies names as reusable formula definitions. The name's stored body is therefore a review surface even when each caller's ordinary cell formula is unchanged.

WCAB 0.34 keeps Inputs!B2=0.08, Inputs!B3=100, Model!B2=ScenarioValue(Inputs!B2,Inputs!B3), and Dashboard!B4=Model!$B$2 fixed while the sole workbook-level ScenarioValue definition moves exactly from =LAMBDA(rate,amount,rate*amount) to =LAMBDA(rate,amount,rate*(amount+10)). The validator requires one bare workbook-scoped name, no external-reference declarations, identical raw input and ordinary formula context, equal calculation properties, and xl/workbook.xml as the sole changed member. It reads the stored body only; it does not evaluate a LAMBDA, resolve all named-formula dependencies, calculate a result, infer Excel-version support, or claim client behavior.

Table calculated-column formula master

Microsoft's calculated-column guidance documents that one formula in an Excel Table can be filled throughout a column. The Open XML calculatedColumnFormula reference defines the tableColumn child that stores that formula. This is a Table-level formula definition, separate from a worksheet formula-cell element.

WCAB 0.34 keeps the local ScenarioLedger binding at Ledger!A1:C4, its headers, Ledger!C2:C4 ordinary formulas, and Dashboard!B4=SUM(ScenarioLedger[Calculated amount]) fixed. The third Table column's sole raw calculatedColumnFormula text moves from A2*B2 to A2*(B2+1), with xl/tables/table1.xml as the sole package difference. The validator follows the worksheet's one local Table relationship, checks the compact Table shape and formula-master text, and compares the Table part after erasing only that text. It does not fill a column, reconcile row formulas to a master, calculate a structured reference, infer a total, add rows, open Excel, or claim client behavior.

Power Pivot/Data Model relationship

Microsoft's PowerPivot Model object guidance explains that relationships connect model tables and enable multi-table PivotTable or PivotChart filtering. The Open XML x15:dataModel declaration contains modelRelationship entries with fromTable, fromColumn, toTable, and toColumn attributes. That declaration is a review surface outside the ordinary A1 formula graph.

WCAB 0.35 keeps the generated SalesModel and CalendarModel local Tables, one powerPivotData workbook binding, the .data content type, calculation properties, and fixed opaque xl/model/item.data bytes unchanged. Its sole x15:modelRelationship changes toColumn from DateKey to FiscalDateKey. The raw validator checks the exact relationship, package binding, model-table metadata, and payload SHA-256, then compares workbook XML with just that target key erased. It does not deserialize an Analysis Services stream, evaluate DAX, load or refresh a model, calculate or render a report, infer model-to-cell impact, or claim client behavior.

External-data web-query source declarations

External-data connections can store provider, server, authentication, command, and refresh settings outside worksheet cells. For a web query, the Open XML webPr element holds the stored URL and request controls. Those source declarations are a review surface even when imported cells and ordinary formulas remain fixed.

WCAB 0.37 isolates one relationship-backed xl/connections.xml web-query connection. Only raw webPr/@url moves from the reserved approved.example.invalid endpoint to review.example.invalid; the connection ID/type/name, refresh controls, relationship, content type, saved ImportedData!B2=100 cell, ImportedData!B2 → Summary!B2 → Dashboard!B4 formula context, calculation properties, and every other package member remain unchanged. The raw validator checks the local package graph and compares the connection part after removing only the URL. It does not resolve, open, fetch, authenticate to, trust, refresh, calculate, or otherwise interact with either endpoint, or claim a client result.

OPC package-signature Manifest declarations

An OPC package signature has package relationships that locate a signature origin and XML signature part. Within an XMLDSIG envelope, a SignedInfo reference can name a local Object; an Object/Manifest/Reference is the separate declaration that can name a package part. Those two scopes are not interchangeable review evidence.

WCAB 0.38 keeps one root-to-origin relationship, one origin-to-signature relationship, the required origin/signature content types, one SignedInfo reference to #idWCABPackageObject, ordinary Controls!B10=12 and Controls!D10=B10*C10 context, calculation properties, and all package members except _xmlsignatures/sig1.xml fixed. Its one Object/Manifest/Reference/@URI moves from the direct workbook part to the direct worksheet part. The raw validator verifies that bounded structural shape, compares the signature XML after erasing only that URI, and never emits the raw URI through an adapter contract.

WCAB 0.39 uses the same bounded signature graph, local-object reference, and ordinary workbook context but fixes the Manifest URI to the root relationships part. Its Manifest has exactly one OPC Relationships Transform followed immediately by XML C14N. Only the transform's RelationshipReference/@SourceId changes, from the root office-document relationship to the root signature-origin relationship. The validator compares the signature XML after erasing only that source ID. The selected relationship is a declaration of an entry in _rels/.rels, not evidence that the entry's target part was signed; an adapter sees only the redacted equal-count aggregate and the separate Manifest-coverage-change flag.

The generated digest and signature values are deliberately synthetic. WCAB does not validate a digest, signature, canonicalization, transform, certificate, identity, revocation, trust chain, timestamp, policy, or a package consumer's decision. It records only the declared structural package scope.

Modern threaded-comment resolution state

Microsoft's Threaded Comments specification describes cell-associated comment threads as OOXML data stored separately from ordinary cell content, and the Excel comment API distinguishes resolving and reopening a thread. That makes the persisted state a review surface even when cell values and formulas remain unchanged.

WCAB 0.40 contains one worksheet-associated ThreadedComments part and one linked Persons part. The sole top-level comment keeps its synthetic text, timestamp, cell binding, comment/person identifiers, and person display data fixed while raw threadedComment/@done moves from 0 to 1. The person and worksheet/workbook relationship parts, content types, Controls!B10=12, Controls!D10=B10*C10, calculation properties, and every other package member are byte-identical. The raw validator checks the bounded local graph and compares comment XML after erasing only that resolution token.

The pair records a stored state only. It does not expose content or identity through the adapter contract, prove that anybody reviewed or approved a workbook, resolve a notification, authenticate a person, check authorization, open an Excel client, or claim workflow completion.

Legacy shared-workbook revision history

Microsoft's Open XML Headers reference describes revision history persisted as headers and log files, including stored shared/tracking/history/retention/protection controls. The Open XML WorkbookRevisionHeaderPart reference then exposes its revision-log parts. That makes a relationship-backed revision log a review surface even where today's ordinary cells and formulas agree.

WCAB 0.41 contains one xl/revisions/revisionHeaders.xml part, one linked xl/revisions/revisionLog1.xml part, and one fixed header-to-log relationship. Its header controls, synthetic author/timestamp/GUID, record structure, content types, Controls!B10=12, Controls!D10=B10*C10, calculation properties, and every other package member stay fixed; only one synthetic historic value inside the revision log changes. The raw validator checks that bounded local graph and compares the log after erasing that private value.

The pair records stored audit-trail material only. It does not publish historic values, locations, writer identity, timestamps, GUIDs, or relationship IDs; verify provenance or a writer; replay revisions; resolve a conflict; prove a review/approval; authenticate or authorize a person; or claim workflow or client behavior.

XLM Auto_Open binding

WCAB 0.36 provides a real macro-enabled .xlsm pair rather than relabeling an ordinary workbook. Each archive has one very-hidden Macro Automation xlMacrosheet relationship and one workbook-scoped _xlnm.Auto_Open defined name. Only that name's raw target changes, from 'Macro Automation'!$A$1 to 'Macro Automation'!$A$2; the fixed macro-sheet part contains exactly the two static formula cells A1=HALT() and A2=HALT(). The raw macro-sheet bytes, workbook-to-sheet relationship, macro-enabled workbook content type, macro-sheet content type, normal worksheet cells and formulas, calculation properties, and all other package members remain unchanged.

The validator compares the stored OOXML declaration and bounded local package shape. It neither opens Excel nor enables, executes, parses, emulates, or otherwise interprets XLM instructions. It does not resolve a dynamic name, inspect macro-security or trust settings, infer a dispatch outcome, calculate the workbook, or claim client behavior. The stable Inputs!B2 → Model!B2 → Dashboard!B4 path is ordinary local review context, not a macro dependency claim.

Workbook serial-date system

Excel documents two workbook date systems, 1900 and 1904, with a 1,462-day difference for the same stored serial; it also documents the workbook-level setting in its date-system guidance. In SpreadsheetML, the date1904 and dateCompatibility controls live on workbookPr: their Open XML defaults are respectively false and true.

WCAB's date-system pair makes both controls explicit. It preserves the raw numeric Inputs!B2 serial 45292, its custom yyyy-mm-dd number format, Model!B2's local formula, and Dashboard!B4's local consumer while only date1904 changes from false to true; dateCompatibility stays true. The validator resolves the raw cell style through styles.xml, compares the formula expressions and direct dependency edges, and compares workbook.xml after removing only those two date-control attributes. It does not execute a formula, convert the serial, predict a displayed calendar date, open or save a workbook, or claim behavior for a particular client.

Active AutoFilter criteria

Microsoft's filter guidance documents that filters show rows meeting the selected criteria and hide the rest. Its SUBTOTAL reference states that rows excluded by a filter are always excluded, so a stored criterion can be review-material even when formulas stay textually stable.

WCAB's active-filter pair keeps the Report!A1:B5 AutoFilter shell, its column ID, Report!D2=SUBTOTAL(109,B2:B5), and Dashboard!B4=Report!$D$2 unchanged while the sole column-0 list value moves from North to South. The validator resolves the worksheet through its workbook relationship, checks one raw <autoFilter>, <filterColumn>, <filters>, and <filter> declaration on each side, compares the worksheet after removing that sole criterion container, checks the formula texts and direct dependency edge, and requires the report worksheet to be the only changed package member. It does not execute Excel's filter logic, calculate the subtotal, infer a visible row set, or claim a display, copy, chart, or print result.

Named Sheet Views

Microsoft's Sheet View guidance documents saved, customized filters and sorts for collaboration. The MS-XLSX Named Sheet Views specification defines the stored collection as sort/filter settings associated with AutoFilters on a worksheet. A saved view is therefore a distinct review surface from the worksheet active filter.

The WCAB Named Sheet View pair keeps a no-criterion worksheet Report!A1:B5 AutoFilter, rows, Report!D2=SUBTOTAL(109,B2:B5), and Dashboard!B4=Report!$D$2 fixed. A worksheet relationship binds the base AutoFilter xr:uid to one xl/namedSheetViews/namedSheetView1.xml part; only its stored column-0 list value moves from North to South. The raw validator follows that relationship, reconciles the stable filter ID and range, compares the view part after erasing only the terminal list value, and requires that part to be the sole package difference. It does not activate, render, or apply a view, calculate a subtotal, infer visible rows, or claim a client display or print outcome.

XML Maps

Microsoft's XML overview describes XML Maps as the relationship between worksheet mapped cells or XML tables and XML schema elements, used by Excel import/export workflows. The XmlMap API exposes corresponding Import and Export operations. A table-column XPath is therefore a reviewable data-contract declaration even when its current cells and formulas remain unchanged.

The WCAB XML Map pair keeps the synthetic local MapInfo/XSD declaration, file-binding metadata, Export!E2 single-cell mapping, table values, Export!D2=SUM(InvoiceLines[Net amount]), and Dashboard!B4=Export!$D$2 fixed. Its only difference is the InvoiceLines table's Net amount xmlColumnPr/@xpath: NetAmount becomes TaxAmount. The raw validator follows the local workbook-to-map and worksheet-to-table/single-cell relationships, compares the mapped table part with only the XPath erased, and requires xl/tables/table1.xml to be the sole differing package member. It does not access a file, validate the schema, import/export XML, materialize data, calculate a result, or claim a client outcome.

Office Web Add-ins

Microsoft's workbook auto-open guidance documents the package parts needed to associate a workbook with an Office Add-in and notes that the add-in must already be installed, sideloaded, or deployed before an application can honor the association. The MS-OWEMXML specification defines Office.AutoShowTaskpaneWithDocument as an extension property. That makes the stored request reviewable independently of any installed client state or executable add-in payload.

The WCAB Office Web Add-in pair has one workbook-to-taskpanes.xml relation and one taskpane-to-webextension1.xml relation. It keeps the synthetic local FileSystem reference, add-in/reference IDs, hidden locked task-pane layout, Inputs!B2=10, Model!B2=Inputs!$B$2*2, and Dashboard!B4=Model!$B$2 fixed. Only the web-extension property changes: Office.AutoShowTaskpaneWithDocument is false in the baseline and true in the candidate. The raw validator follows only those local relationships, erases only that property value for comparison, and requires xl/webextensions/webextension1.xml to be the sole changed package member. There is no manifest payload or external relationship. The benchmark does not install, load, execute, or fetch an add-in or manifest, and it does not claim that a task pane opens or that the add-in reads, writes, calculates, or displays workbook cells.

Worksheet embedded OLE auto-load

Microsoft's OLEObject.AutoLoad reference defines the property as whether an OLE object is automatically loaded when the containing workbook opens, documents false as the default for new OLE objects, and notes that ActiveX controls ignore this property. The Open XML OleObject.AutoLoad reference models autoLoad as a boolean attribute, and its OleObject element reference defines the relationship identifier that points to object-persistence data.

The WCAB embedded-OLE pair has one Inputs worksheet oleObject declaration, one direct internal oleObject relationship, and one fixed opaque ASCII payload marked with the standard embedded-object content type. It keeps the synthetic unregistered ProgID, DVASPECT_CONTENT, shape ID, relationship, bytes, Inputs!B2=10, Model!B2=Inputs!$B$2*2, and Dashboard!B4=Model!$B$2 fixed. Only oleObject/@autoLoad changes: false in the baseline and true in the candidate. The raw validator follows only the local relationship, verifies the fixed bytes without deserializing them, erases only autoLoad for comparison, and requires xl/worksheets/sheet1.xml to be the sole changed package member. There is no linked target, ActiveX control, presentation, macro, or external relationship. The benchmark does not deserialize, open, render, execute, register, or invoke an object server, and does not claim successful loading.

DrawingML chart-series source references

Microsoft's series-editing guidance allows a user to change a chart's series values without changing the worksheet data. The Open XML NumberReference definition contains the stored formula reference used by a numeric chart series. That creates a report-review surface outside ordinary cell diffs.

WCAB's chart pair starts with one Dashboard!D2 chart bound through the worksheet drawing relationship to one DrawingML chart part. Its title and category references remain Source!B1 and Source!$A$2:$A$4; only the one numeric series value reference moves from Source!$B$2:$B$4 to Source!$C$2:$C$4. Both source columns, all worksheet cells, the drawing anchor, calculation properties, and every package member outside xl/charts/chart1.xml remain fixed. The validator follows only that generated worksheet-to-drawing-to-chart relationship chain, compares the chart XML after erasing the one declared reference, and never evaluates a chart formula, calculates cells, refreshes data, renders a chart, infers a visual difference, or claims client behavior.

Iterative calculation

Open XML stores calculation controls in calcPr, including iterate, iterateCount, and iterateDelta. Microsoft documents that iterative calculation can intentionally allow circular references and that its maximum-iteration and maximum-change settings bound the repeated calculation process in its circular-reference guidance.

WCAB's iterative case keeps Model!B2's direct self-reference and its local Dashboard!B4 consumer unchanged. The raw validator requires explicit baseline iterate=false, candidate iterate=true, shared declared count and delta, equal non-iteration calcPr attributes, and the unchanged direct self-reference. It does not calculate either workbook, establish convergence, count recalculations, predict a terminal value, or assert Excel-client compatibility.

Precision as displayed

Excel normally calculates from stored values rather than the values a number format displays. Microsoft documents that its precision-as-displayed setting uses displayed values for calculation and permanently changes stored values; its rounding-precision guidance warns that the control can have cumulative calculation effects. Open XML stores the corresponding fullPrecision control on calcPr.

WCAB's precision case preserves an explicitly stored Inputs!B2=10.005, its 0.00 number format, Model!B2's =Inputs!$B$2*2 formula, and the local Dashboard!B4 consumer. The raw validator requires explicit baseline fullPrecision=true, candidate fullPrecision=false, and equal remaining calculation attributes. It never opens or saves either workbook, executes a formula, alters the stored 10.005 value, predicts a rounded value, or claims that a particular Excel client will apply or persist the setting.

Saved formula results

SpreadsheetML stores a formula expression in <f> and its last calculated result in the neighboring <v> element. The Open XML CellValue documentation likewise describes formula-cell <v> content as the last calculated result.

WCAB's saved-result case keeps Inputs!B2=10, Model!B2's =Inputs!$B$2*2 expression, calculation properties, and the local Dashboard!B4 consumer unchanged. It changes only the raw numeric <v> next to Model!B2's <f> from 20 to 25. The validator resolves the worksheet through the workbook relationship, checks the raw expression and numeric result text, and proves that the selected worksheet is identical once that one result text is erased. It does not execute the formula, determine whether either saved value is current or correct, infer volatile or external inputs, claim that a client will display either value, or assert a downstream result.

Array-formula mode

Microsoft distinguishes dynamic arrays from legacy Ctrl+Shift+Enter (CSE) arrays: dynamic arrays can resize their spill output, while CSE arrays have a fixed output range. Its dynamic-array versus legacy-CSE guidance also notes that the same formula can be moved from an entire CSE range to one dynamic anchor cell.

WCAB's array-mode case consequently preserves =LEN(Inputs!A1:A3) and its currently stored B1:B3 output range. The candidate adds only the relationship-backed metadata binding that marks Model!B1 as dynamic. The validator checks the anchor's raw array formula, cm cell-metadata index, and XLDAPR fDynamic=true record; it does not execute the formula, predict a future spill extent, locate a blocker, or claim Excel-client compatibility.

Scoreable coverage expectations

coverage_expectations is an array of exact, validated objects. It does not ask a tool to claim universal support for an Excel construct. Instead, it asks whether an adapter can point to native evidence that the relevant analysis boundary was visible.

Expectation kind	Required fields	Observable contract
dynamic_reference_static_coverage	sheet, cell, functions	Candidate formula contains the declared newly introduced INDIRECT or OFFSET function while the baseline formula has none. A matching observation declaration means the tool surfaced the static-dependency coverage boundary.
dynamic_reference_driver_changed	driver (sheet, cell), formula (sheet, cell), functions	A literal driver changes, the declared dynamic formula remains textually unchanged on both sides, and the candidate formula directly reads that driver. A matching observation declaration means the tool surfaced the pre-existing dynamic-reference boundary alongside the input change.

Excel documents that INDIRECT returns a reference specified by a text string and that OFFSET returns a reference displaced from another reference. WCAB consequently does not treat a simple static graph as a complete statement of all possible dependencies once either function is present. The driver cases separate a formula-text diff from an effective-target change: INDIRECT reads an address from text, while OFFSET reads a displacement, so each can change which cell is selected even when its formula text is unchanged.

The observation protocol's coverage.declarations items wrap an exact expectation plus optional native evidence. See docs/observations.md for matching and scoring rules.

Coverage text

Each case also contains an explicit free-text coverage list. Consumers must preserve these boundaries in reports and must not turn unsupported constructs into silent passes. The machine-matchable expectations complement rather than replace that prose: a case can document broader caveats than a score can fairly reduce to one metric.

JSONL case catalogue

fixtures/manifest.jsonl contains one deterministic JSON object per case. It copies the truth fields (id, title, family, topology, review_expectation, facts, must_reach, coverage, and coverage_expectations) and adds:

Field	Meaning
case_path	Case directory relative to the fixture root.
baseline_files	One or more baseline file records.
candidate_files	One or more candidate file records.

Each file record has a root-relative path, exact bytes, and SHA-256 sha256. Pair cases have one file on each side; portfolio cases can have more. The catalogue is generated by wcab build or wcab manifest; consumers may use it to verify the exact bytes they evaluated. It does not add any formula execution or semantic-equivalence claim beyond the underlying truth contract.